About Me

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When you fail to follow your dreams, you cheat yourself out of being you.
Be proud of who you are and don't back down.
Be a winner at the game of life!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Boston is realistic

Ok! Class is October 12 - November 6 so I expect to live in Boston October 9th-November 9th. The cat problem is resolved! My friend in Peoria offered to babysit them for the month. :)

As far as the money goes..... I need to come up with $3000 by September 28th to enroll in classes and buy airline tickets. Then I'll have another week to earn the additional $2500 living expenses and still arrive in Boston by October 9th. If I don't make all the money I need for living expenses by that time I can always strip while in Boston (this is last case scenario as I'd prefer to focus 100% of my attention on school). It may be tough but totally possible.

Tomorrow I leave for Burning Man. The soonest I can be back in Peoria is September 19th and only have 12 days or so before I'd have to leave to attend a wedding. Hmmmmm...... Should I stay on the West Coast and work in Vegas until Boston? That would maximize my earning days. Hmmmm...

I have a lot to think about. Most of my thinking time will be at Burning Man where I there is no contact with the "outside" world. Last year I learned a lot about my self during this week. This year I am using this time to do the same. By the end of the week I will know what is best for my future.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

The Boston Language Institute

Leaving for Burning Man any day. Afterwards, I'm going to the Costa Rica Consulate in LA with paperwork to start the process for residency. :)

The only thing I still don't have is my TEFL certification. For the past year and a half I've been trying to coordinate with a school in Costa Rica with no luck. So...I researched online and found the perfect school for me...and it's it the U.S.--The Boston Language Institute.

Boston! This will be a fun adventure. :) July 4th 2005 is the only time I've ever been to Boston. Gorgeous city, friendly people. It will be fun to live there for a month. (Hmmm, where will my cats live while I'm in Boston?)

A leader in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL*), The Boston Language Institute offers a unique program for those interested in teaching English both in the United States and abroad. Since 1981, The Boston Language Institute has set trends in the field of language teaching and, since 2000, in the field of English language teacher training. Our program has been described by The Wall Street Journal as "...one of the better-known programs in the country."

The TEFL Certificate Program presents trainees with an opportunity to learn interactively through skill-building activities. Our highly-skilled and dedicated teacher trainers will work with you to identify your strengths and overcome your challenges as a teacher.

The small class size – 12 students maximum – coupled with the Institute's nearly 30-year commitment to client service allows for the unique level of personal attention that's a hallmark of our programs. At The Boston Language Institute, you will learn to create your own teaching materials as you present practice teaching sessions to actual ESL students. In addition, while learning how to teach the five unique skills of language acquisition, you will develop an effective classroom management style, review English grammar, explore Business English, investigate cross-cultural issues and hone job finding strategies, whether in TESL or TEFL.

Our internationally acclaimed TEFL Certificate Program is available as a 4-week intensive course. About 1200 people have completed our program and our graduates are teaching all over the world, forming a network of alumni at the service of more recent graduates.

The Boston Language Institute's internationally recognized TEFL Certificate is awarded at the completion of the program. In order to earn the certificate, you must attend and participate in all course modules, successfully teach six class hours and complete a final project, which becomes your portfolio. All graduates receive a letter of recommendation and ongoing career support.

Class dates:
October 12 - November 6
November 9 - December 9

The tuition, including all class materials and deposits, is $2,645.00.
It will probably cost another $2500/month for living expenses.

Since I am planning to dance this winter in Peoria, attending the Oct 12-Nov 6 class would be best.

I must do this. How do I come up with $5000?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Worst Sin

Usually betrayal is where you believe someone is one way yet later find out they were lying, "wearing a mask" for you, or have multiple personalities.

That is why I love this video. Since I haven't seen the movie from which it was compiled, the words and images perfectly portray betrayal.




Someone I know once said that betrayal is the worst thing in the world. At the time I assumed he meant betrayal by another person and openly disagreed by saying "regretting not doing what you truly want to do" is the worst thing. We were both right. Betrayal is the worst.....yet betraying your true self is much worse than betrayal from another.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Yay for internet !!

I want to apologize for having such a long gap between this and my last post. For the past 6 weeks I haven't had internet access so for the next two weeks I will upload backdated posts to cover this gap. After that I will be off to Burning Man and then who knows where. This will be my second year and I am sooooooooo excited! Currently I am in Northern California visiting family and friends. Life is an adventure!! :)

Monday, August 10, 2009

Leaving Peoria

It was a wonderful visit. Big Al's reminds me of Crazy Horse Too: fun club, great staff. I enjoy it here so much that I'm planning to come back and live/work here.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Chicago

Over the weekend I went to Chicago for the first time. Highlights of the trip: Museum of Science and Industry and Lou Malnati's Pizza (recommend both!).